Barack Obama Gives Gifts at Children's Hospital

Barack Obama

Pol Light Moment #163 happened on December 19, 2018, when Barack Obama visited the Children's National Hospital in Washington DC to hand out gifts. Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

Barack Obama visited the hospital to pass out gifts and talk to the children and their families. The following is a video from NBC News on Barack Obama's visit to the Children's National Hospital and his remarks.



Fox News also published a story on this visit by Barack Obama.

For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.  

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain as his official photo.

Bill Clinton Helps Raise Money for Columbine Memorial

Pol Light Moment #162 occurred on July 20, 2004, when Bill Clinton visited Columbine, Colorado to help raise money for the Columbine Memorial to honor victims of the Columbine Massacre that took place on April 20, 1999. It was the worse school shooting in history to date.  Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993-2001. He also served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1983-1992.

Bill Clinton met privately with survivors and family members of victims of the Columbine tragedy on July 20, 2004. That night he spoke at a gala in Denver to help raise approximately $300,000 for the memorial.

Bill Clinton promised to help the Columbine Memorial Foundation raise the necessary money to complete the memorial. He told the family members and survivors, “I’m really proud of you. I’ll help you raise the rest of the money. That’s the least I can do (Quoted in Clinton meets with Columbine Families, Associated Press, July 21, 2004).

The Columbine Memorial was completed and opened to the public on September 21, 2007. You can find out more about the Columbine Memorial Foundation on their website.

Quote Light: Bill Clinton has a page on the Quote Light blog.

Bill Clinton has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Bill Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Bill Clinton is in the public domain.

Muriel Bowser Adopts a Baby

Pol Light #160 occurred on May 21, 2018, when Muriel Bowser announced that she had adopted a baby. Muriel Bowser has served as the Mayor of the District of Columbia since 2015. From 2007 to 2015 she represented Ward 4 as their member on the Council of the District of Columbia.

It is with great joy and excitement that I share with you that late last year, I decided to begin the adoption journey. I was not sure how long it would take, and to my delight, it advanced much sooner than I expected. So today, I am proud to announce that I am a mom! pic.twitter.com/q9qoz587IL

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) May 22, 2018

It was revealed on May 23, 2018, that the baby is a girl and her name will be Miranda Elizabeth Bowser. Muriel Bowser is the first single mother to serve as mayor of the District of Columbia (Washington Post, May 23, 2018, Peter Jamison and Fenit Nirappil).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Muriel Bowser is in the Public Domain.

Gina Raimondo Shares Dinner With Syrian Refugees

Gina Raimondo

Pol Light Moment #155 happened on February 1, 2017, when Gina Raimondo shared dinner with a family of Syrian refugees in Cranston, Rhode Island. Gina Raimondo is presently the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, serving from 2015 to the present.

Gov. Gina Raimondo shares dinner with Syrian refugees https://t.co/PIUyfvO1Dm pic.twitter.com/epXSWriR6S

— Patch Rhode Island (@Patch_RI) February 3, 2017

Gina Raimondo issued this statement about sharing a meal with the Al-Hariri family, who are Syrian refugees living in Rhode Island.

Last night I shared a meal with the Al-Hariri family, who fled Syria, to let them know that there's a place in Rhode Island for everyone. I met them last year, not long after they arrived in Rhode Island. Their story, and their light and strength through difficult times, is an inspiration- and a reminder that we can't lose sight of those fleeing oppression.(Gina Raimondo, Cranston Patch, February 2, 2017). 

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Gina Raimondo is in the Public Domain.

Andrew Jackson Pays Off the National Debt

Andrew Jackson

Pol Light Moment #153 occurred on January 1, 1835, when Andrew Jackson paid off the National Debt. Andrew Jackson served as the 7th President of the United States from 1829 to 1837. He also served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1823 to 1825.

When Andrew Jackson became President in 1829 he inherited a debt of about $58 million. This was the equalivent of $1.4 billion in 2010 dollars (When America Paid Off the National Debt, Brian Lipshutz, July 25, 2011). In 1824 Jackson called the National Debt a "national curse". Jackson believed the borrowing clause in the Constitution was for emergencies and borrowing should not be a permanent practice.

After six years of his policies as President he was able to accomplish his goal of paying off the National Debt. This happened on January 1, 1835, and was the only time since then in the history of the United States that the country has been out of debt.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Andrew Jackson is in the Public Domain.

Michael Dukakis Picks Up Trash Around Boston

Michael Dukakis

Pol Light Moment #152 occurred on August 10, 2015, when Michael Dukakis was seen picking up trash on his walk around Boston by attorney Sarah E. Godfrey. Michael Dukakis served as Governor of Massachusetts from 1975 to 1979 and 1983 to 1991. Dukakis was also a candidate for President in 1988.

Michael Dukakis has been picking up trash in public areas on his walks around his hometown of Boston for 25 years. He has been seen by others on several occasions and on August 10, 2015, attorney Sarah E. Godfrey met him while he was picking up trash. She later penned a letter about meeting the man who was a Governor for 12 years as he was picking up trash.

Unreal: #Boston woman meets Michael Dukakis picking up trash at @MBTA station. #mapoli #atleasttechnically pic.twitter.com/US9pRDtMuU

— Jack Newsham (@TheNewsHam) August 14, 2015

Michael Dukakis said in 2016 about his practice of picking up trash, "It doesn't hurt if people see incumbent majors and ex-governors cleaning the place up. And you hope that others will be inspired to do the same.... What makes my day is when somebody comes along and says, 'Now you got me doin' it (Christian Science Monitor, July 28, 2016).'"

For more information on Micahel Dukakis's practice of picking up trash you can read these articles.

• A Former Governor is Picking Up Your Trash (Boston.com, Eric Levenson, August 14, 2015)
• This Former Governor Once Ran for President and He's Been a Volunteer Trash Collector for 25 Years (Upworthy.com, Thom Dunn, August 24, 2015)

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michael Dukakis is in the Public Domain.

Kennedy and Nixon at 1960 Al Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #151 occurred on October 19, 1960, when the two people running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon were joint keynote speakers at the 17th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York in 1960, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Wikipedia Page: Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner).

Both speakers reflected on the election of 1928 when Democrat Al Smith was defeated by Republican Herbert Hoover. You can relive the evening by reading the text of both keynote speakers on the American Presidency Project website. A historical photo of the two speakers was published by the New York Daily Post.

Link to John F. Kennedy's Full Remarks

"When this happens then the bitter memory of 1928 will begin to fade, and all that will remain will be the figure of Al Smith, large against the horizon, true, courageous, and honest, who in the words of the cardinal, served his country well, and having served his country well, nobly served his God. [Applause.]"--John F. Kennedy

Link to Richard Nixon's Full Remarks

"And, so, in conclusion, I would add only this last thought: Many years have passed since the year 1928. Many memories have become less bitter through the years. Three weeks from today either Senator Kennedy or I will be the President-elect of this country, and then we will go our separate courses in the years to come. I've been trying to think how I could best close my remarks and refer to him and refer to me, and I go back to the campaign of 1928. Herbert Hoover was elected. Al Smith lost. But both of them lived many, many years longer, and both of them, the longer they lived, gained love and affection from the American people - and I would only hope tonight that, however this election turns out, Senator Kennedy and I in the years ahead will be able to conduct ourselves with the dignity, the decency which earned the esteem and the love of the American people for the two men who were engaged in that great campaign of 1928."--Richard Nixon

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on John F. Kennedy search with the "John F. Kennedy" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Richard Nixon search with the "Richard Nixon" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Bill Cinton Speaks at Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Service

                                Bill Clinton  / Oklahoma City Bombing Aftermath                                               

Pol Light Moment #149 occurred on April 23, 1995, when Bill Clinton  gave the eulogy for the victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993-2001. He also served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1983-1992.

On April 19, 1995, a truck-bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 168 people died in the blast (History.com: Oklahoma City Bombing). A memorial service was held for the victims on April 23, 1995, and Bill Clinton gave the eulogy in his capacity as President at the time of the tragedy.

The entire text of the message is available on the American Rhetoric website. The following is a video from American Rhetoric featuring Bill Clinton delivering the eulogy for the Oklahoma City victims.

Quote Light: Bill Clinton has a page on the Quote Light blog.

Bill Clinton has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Bill Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Bill Clinton is in the Public Domain.  Also, the photo of the Oklahoma City bombing aftermath is in the Public Domain.

Jacqueline Kennedy Gives First Television Interview

Jacqueline Kennedy

Pol Light Moment #147 occurred on March 24, 1961, when Jacqueline Kennedy gave her first television interview after becoming the First Lady. The interview was done with Sander Vanocur of NBC News. Jacqueline Kennedy was the First Lady of the United States from 1961-1963.

During the interview Jacqueline Kennedy discussed her plans to bring a sense of history back to the White House. The interview also spent time focusing on how Jacqueline Kennedy would raise two young children in the White House. It had been many years since their had been young children in the White House.

The following is a video of this interview with Jacqueline Kennedy and Sander Vanocur.

Jacqueline Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search with the label Jacqueline Kennedy. For more information on Jacqueline Kennedy visit her page on the website of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Jacqueline Kennedy is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama's Final Speech as First Lady

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #146 happened on January 6, 2017, when Michelle Obama gave her final speech as First Lady of the United States at an event at the White House honoring the 2017 school counselor of the year recipient, Terri Tchorzynski. Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
In her speech she said, "I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don't be afraid. You hear me, young people? Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education. Then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope; never fear (CNN.com, Kevin Liptak, January 6, 2017)."
The following is a video from ABC News of the remarks Michelle Obama made on January 6, 2017. 

In her speech Michelle Obama also thanked her family and staff who have helped her in the eight years she was in her role as First Lady (Your Story, Press Trust of India, January 11, 2017).

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Lyndon Johnson Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

Lyndon Johnson

Pol Light Moment #145 occurred on March 31, 1968, when President Lyndon Baines Johnson told the United States that he would not seek reelection as President.  Lyndon Johnson was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963-1969. He was the Vice President of the United States from 1961-1963 under President John F. Kennedy and also served as a United States Senator from Texas from 1949-1961.

The following is a video of the announcement by Lyndon Johnson. The reason Johnson gave for not seeking reelection is that he wanted to focus on his Presidential duties during the Vietnam War era instead of partisan politics.

A key part of the speech is when Johnson said,

With America's sons in the fields far away, with America's future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world's hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office—the Presidency of your country.

Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President (Miller Center Website)

What made this announcement so historical is that sitting presidents have rarely ever refused to seek an additional term that they were eligible to fill. A transcript of this speech is available from the Miller Center Website.

Lyndon Johnson has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Lyndon Johnson posts search with Lyndon Johnson label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Lyndon Johnson is in the Public Domain.

Clinton and Trump at 2016 Al Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #144 occurred on October 20, 2016, when the two people running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. Secretary Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were joint keynote speakers at the 71st Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Wikipedia Page: Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner). The 2016 rendition of this longstanding dinner raised about $6 million for Catholic charities (CBSNews.com, October 21, 2016).

You can listen to the humor and wit of the evening by hearing the address of both keynote speakers who took time out of their busy campaign to spend and evening for charity.

Hillary Clinton's Address

Donald Trump's Address

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on Hillary Clinton search with the "Hillary Clinton" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Donald Trump search with the "Donald Trump" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Harry Reid Designates Suicide Survivors Day

Harry Reid

Pol Light Moment #143 happened on May 11, 1999, when Harry Reid introduced a Resolution to the United States Senate designating the Saturday before the American Thanksgiving as the annual "National Survivors for Prevention of Suicide Day" (Congress.gov, S. Res. 99).  Harry Reid has been a United States Senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017.

Reid's father Harry Vincent Reid was a miner and killed himself in 1972 (Biography.com, Harry Reid). Harry Reid believed his father struggled with undiagnosed depression (Suicide Prevention Resource Center, Sen. Harry Reid: A Lifetime of Service to Suicide Prevention, November 4, 2016). This personal tragedy motivated Harry Reid at the request of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create a resolution for the US Senate to designate a National Survivors of Suicide Day.

The first observance of Suicide Survivors Day took place on November 20, 1999, and the observance continues to this day on the Saturday before the American Thanksgiving Day. The day is designed to bring people together who have had family or friends commit suicide, so that the survivors may receive comfort and encouragement from others.  The following is a video of a trailer about Reclaiming Life after Loss designed to encourage survivors of suicide.

For More Information: For more information on Survivors of Suicide Day visit these links.

• National Survivors of Suicide Day Wikipedia page. 
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Survivor Day Website

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Harry Reid is in the Public Domain.

Chris Murphy Filibusters over Gun Control Reform

Chris Murphy

Pol Light Moment #141 happened on June 15-16, 2016, when Chris Murphy led a 15 hour filibuster on the floor of the United States Senate appealing for gun control reform. Chris Murphy has been a United States Senator from Connecticut since 2013.

Chris Murphy started his filibuster in the US Senate in the late morning hours on June 15, 2016, in order to raise awareness of gun violence and appeal for gun control reform (CNN Politics, Nearly 15 hours later, Democratic Senator Ends Filibuster over Guns, June 16, 2016). After receiving a commitment from leadership that gun safety measures would be brought forward for a vote in the US Senate, Chris Murphy ended his filibuster 15 hours after he started at about 2:00 am on June 16, 2016.

I am proud to announce that after 14+ hours on the floor, we will have a vote on closing the terror gap & universal background checks

— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 16, 2016

Here is the video where Chris Murphy ends his filibuster by talking about Dylan Hockley, a child with autism, and his teacher Anne Marie Murphy, who were killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut in 2012. Note: Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy were memorialized in 2012 on our companion Autism Light blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Chris Murphy is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama Opens Special Olympics

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #138 happened on July 25, 2015, when Michelle Obama opened the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Michelle Obama said these words to the approximately 6,500 athletes from 165 countries were at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the World Games on July 25, 2015.

"To all of our athletes, I just want you to know that all those people won't just be cheering for you, they're going to be learning from you," the first lady told the cheering crowd during the opening ceremony. "You're filling us with so much hope. And you're uniting us in a way that nothing else can (Michelle Obama, CNN.Com, Kristen Holmes, Michelle Obama Kicks off Special Olympics, July 26, 2015)."

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Andrew Cuomo Helps Driver Stranded in Snow

Pol Light Moment #136 occurred on January 23, 2016, when Andrew Cuomo helped a driver who was stranded in a snowstorm on Long Island in New York. Andrew Cuomo has served as the Governor of New York since 2011.

From January 22-24, 2016 a blizzard hit the Northeast United States dropping up to 3 feet of snow in some areas (Wikipedia: January 2016 United States Blizzard). New York state experienced much of the storm. On January 23, 2016, Andrew Cuomo personally helped rescue a driver who was stranded on the roads in Long Island (ABC News, New York Governor Cuomo Helps Long Island Driver Stranded in Snow, Emily Shapiro, January 23, 2016).

On Cross Island Parkway assisting a stranded driver #Blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/ydU4KMcp4U

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 23, 2016

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

John Conyers Helps Grieving Family Travel to Funeral

John Conyers

Pol Light Moment #134 happened in June 2009, when John Conyers provided airline tickets for a family in Detroit to attend their slain relatives funeral in Washington DC.  John Conyers is a member of the US House of Representatives from Detroit who has represented Michigan's 13th District (1st District until 1993) since 1965.

Stephen Johns was shot and killed on June 10, 2009, when he was working as a security guard at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC (Source: Wikipedia).  John Conyers reached out to his Michigan family about their needs and he provided nine airplane tickets for Detroit based members of Stephen Johns' family to fly to Washington DC for the funeral on June 19, 2009.

Special thanks to the Positive Detroit blog for preserving the essential information in June 18, 2009 about this inspiring moment from a Detroit politician.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of John Conyers is in the Public Domain.

Joseph Lieberman Shares About His Jewish Faith

Joseph Lieberman

Pol Light Moment #133 occurred on December 9, 2012, when Joseph Lieberman shared about his religious journey in the Jewish faith, when he received the Orthodox Jewish All-Star Award in 2012. Joseph Lieberman served as a United States Senator from Connecticut from 1989-2013.

The following is a video of Joe Lieberman sharing his Jewish faith. The video was released on February 4, 2014, but it was recorded on December 9, 2012, as part of a presentation for when Joseph Lieberman received the Orthodox Jewish All-Star Award in 2012.

For more information on Joseph Lieberman's faith read Jew in the City, Exclusive on Joe Lieberman: The Story of His Religious Journey, Allison Josephs, February 5, 2014.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Joseph Lieberman is in the Public Domain.

Lady Bird Johnson Establishes the National Wildflower Research Center

Lady Bird Johnson/1987

Pol Light Moment #131 occurred on December 22, 1982, when Lady Bird Johnson co-founded the National Wildflower Research Center on her 70th birthday. Claudia Alta Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson (1912-2007) was the First Lady of the United States while her husband Lyndon B. Johnson served as the President of the United States from 1963-1969. She was the second lady when Lyndon B. Johnson was the Vice-President from 1961-1963.

Lady Bird Johnson co-founded the National Wildflower Research Center along with actress Helen Hayes in 1982.  The National First Ladies Library states on their website that, "She made a personal donation of sixty acres of land near Austin, and $125,000; matching gifts flooded in, establishing a $700,000 endowment and the center opened the following year (National First Ladies Library: Biography of Lady Bird Johnson)."

The center was renamed it's present name of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in December 1997 in honor of Johnson's 85th birthday. The center became a part of the research program of the University of Texas at Austin in 2006 (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).

More information about Lady Bird Johnson and her appreciation of wildflowers can be found at these websites.

• LBJ Library: Lady Bird Johnson
• National First Lady Library: Biography of Lady Bird Johnson
• Austin Woman Magazine, Lady Bird's Blooming Legacy, April 2003

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Lady Bird Johnson is in the Public Domain.

Mario Cuomo Signs Nation's First Seat Belt Law

Mario Cuomo (Kenneth C. Zirkel/1987)

Pol Light Moment #130 occurred on July 12, 1984, when Mario Cuomo (1932-2015) signed the nation's first seat belt law for the State of New York.  Mario Cuomo served as the Governor of New York from 1983-1994.

The seat belt law that Mario Cuomo signed on July 12, 1984, took effect on December 1, 1984. It required that all front seat passengers in vehicles operating in the State of New York wear a seat belt and that children under 10 year of age also wear a seat belt. The fine when the bill was established was set at $50 (Schenectady Gazette, Cuomo Signs Nation's First Seat Belt Law, Gary Langer, July 13, 1984).

Devin Tobin with the New York Public Research Institute called the law, "the most significant highway measure ever adopted by a state government (Schenectady Gazette, Cuomo Signs Nation's First Seat Belt Law, Gary Langer, July 13, 1984)."

Ironically on July 11, 1984, a day before Mario Cuomo signed the seat belt law, he was involved in a 7 car crash which he survived without injury.  He was wearing a seat belt during the accident (Schenectady Gazette, Governor Unhurt After 7-Car Crash; Seat Belt in Place, Jul 12, 1984).


Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Mario Cuomo is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia and is attributed to Kenneth C. Zirkel.